Financial advise.

I'm wondering what is the best way for a small business to go about getting financial help. Not so much getting capital but rather in knowing if I am sinking or not. I watch my own books, but there is no way that I will have time to keep all of the numbers and know exactly where I am at.

If I contact a local CPA, they aren't going to be cheap. But is this the best way? I need to get a good handle on finances to know where I am at and what needs to be done/change.

Can anyone suggest a good way to get financial advise and help for small businesses at a lower cost?

Just about everywhere there's a local group of retired executives who volunteer to help folks like you and I who are running businesses. I forget the exact name, but I think it's got "retired executives" in the name. Perhaps a search on Google will help.

Basically, it's a group of CEOs of companies like Mobil, Exxon, etc. etc. who really know what they're doing who are glad to help with financial advise, questions about running a business, etc.

You might see if there's such a group in your area.

Okay, I found it: it's called SCORE. They're a great group and I'm sure there's probably one in your area:

http://www.score.org

http://score.mapagent.com/forms/score.htm

Thanks - I'll go visit my local chapter.

Well thanks to Little Bush, there is no more Micro Loan.